Under the feathers - and many of those are powerful things hooked to projections in the bone - his arms are relatively human, if elongated and with weird wrists and hands. Fingers can be pushed through the plumage and his arms can be felt. For a little longer they will stay that way.

Julien opens his eyes again. If he had the energy he thinks he might be annoyed - he has to stop and think about what Aaron said before he can understand what he means, pupils pinning with the effort. Only then does he nod, and lick his lips with a dry pointed tongue. "...I weigh seventy-eight pounds."

He watches as if through a veil or underwater. Quite a long time ago now a pulse took the reflex to cry out or moan in pain; if he does either it's acting, the same as laughter or sobs. "You're here."